Member Organisations are nongovernmental Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), however constituted or organised, of international, national or regional scope that have committed themselves to regular and substantial work in support of NP’s mission, while upholding its nonpartisanship. They may apply for membership or be invited by the International Governance Council (IGC).

Criteria for Becoming an Official Member Organisation

NP Campaign in Italy - Villaggio delle comunità solidali, Roma 2006To be a Member Organisation, a group must be an independent, non-governmental organisation and have, at a minimum, the following characteristics:

1. Organisations choose to become NP Members because they see themselves as mutual partners—with NP and with each other—in the local, regional and international movement and practice of unarmed and nonviolent civilian peacekeeping.

2. Qualifications to become a Member Organisation include:

• a strong commitment to the Mission Statement
• Willingness to abide by IGC decisions regarding NP-related activities
• Experience in nonviolence, peacemaking and/or peacekeeping in its own practice
• Respect and credibility in its area of work or expertise
• Work with and on behalf of NP, including its regional networks, through the organisation’s own capacities (locally or internationally). This may include:
  1. Recruitment and/or assessment of potential international field team members
  2. Training
  3. Publicity
  4. Fundraising
  5. Representation of NP to their country’s government and/or international institutions and/or networking with NGOs
  6. Assistance with analysis and evaluation of conflicts in their geographical area, including assistance with exploratory missions
  7. Contributing expertise through active participation in NP working groups, contact groups, task forces, and NP regional activities
  8. Local and regional unarmed civilian peacekeeping in their role as part of NP’s network
  9. Where relevant, partnering with international NP in deployment activities

NP Member Organisations European Annual Meeting, Berlin 2007: Balloon action4. Member Organisations have different expertise, sizes, and financial resources, and few will engage in every function listed. However, as Membership carries governance privileges and responsibilities, it also carries the requirement of substantial work.

3. The major governance privileges of a Member Organisation include:

• Election of IGC members
• Amendment of bylaws
• Approval of long-term organizational plan
• Receipt of regular reports and evaluations of all levels of NP’s work
• Participation in Membership meetings (International Assembly)

4. Admission to membership requires IGC approval. The IGC may set additional criteria to meet other needs of NP, such as the need to balance membership from various parts of the world.

For more information, please contact theStrategic Relations Department.

NP Member Organisations European Annual Meeting, Berlin 2007: Group shot